I walk because I know that with every step, I am saving lives.
We're all tied to heart disease and stroke in some way. We have to change that. Will you help me?
My personal connection to the Heart Walk is my grandfather, who is luckily still alive and stronger than ever thanks to the surgeons and care providers at OSUWMC Ross Heart Hospital. When he went in to be seen by a cardiologist, it was discovered the arteries to his heart were about ~80% blocked, preventing necessary bloodflow and hindering his bodily functioning. This was unbelieveable to hear given the active nature of his life working on a farm and completing manual labor on an almost daily basis. My Papaw is no stranger to hard work, having built his and my grandmother's log cabin himself by chopping down trees from his own backyard. The picture on my page is from last winter when I helped my grandpa split logs to heat the cabin for the winter (a task he often does by himself, despite being almost 80 years old!). Luckily his condition was greatly ameliorated with surgical intervention, but he still has long-term side effects of heart disease today. His journey is a poignant reminder that this condition can affect anyone, no matter how active or healthy their lifestyle may be.
We must strive to create awareness of heart disease. Your donation will fund groundbreaking research that literally keeps hearts beating and helps people have longer, healthier lives.
This year, as we celebrate the Centennial of the American Heart Association, we will move health and well-being forward in important and critical ways. This relentless pursuit will continue until heart disease and stroke no longer exist.
Have a heart and help me reach my goal today.